- IND
- USA

Tour Code: FIT/1292

Exotic Kerala

6 Nights / 7 Days

Private Van Tour

Summer Special

Cities : Munnar (3N),Thekkady (1N),Kumarakom (2N)

Accommodation

3 Night(s) in Munnar at Pine Tree Munnar or similar
1 Night(s) in Thekkady at Periyar Meadows Leisure Hotel Kumily or similar
2 Night(s) in Kumarakom/ Alleppey at Kumarakom Park Resort or similar

Sightseeing

Munnar, India

Mattupetty Dam
Echo Point
Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park
Tea Gardens & Museums
Blossom Park
Kundala Lake

Thekkady, India

Spice Plantation
Periyar Lake
Enjoy The Martial Art & Cultural Show
Ride and Interact with an Elephant

Kumarakom, India

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Half N Hour Sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake

Flight and transport

All Transfers & Sightseeing’s by Private AC Vehicle as per the tour itinerary. (Car at disposal). Total 700 KM Covered.

Visa and taxes

Hotel Luxury Taxes

Meals

6 Breakfast
6 Dinner

Hotel Included
Sightseeing Included
Meal Included
Private Vehicle Included

Philosophy of the Kerala tour:

Periyar Safari needs to be booked online in advance.
Kumarakom / Alleppy are the backwater place. There are no sightseeing at this place. One has to enjoy the backwaters & its scenic beauty.
Drivers of South India cannot communicate in Hindi at all. They will only co-ordinate in English but their English is not very fluent .They follow the tour itinerary & will communicate only for the schedule & sightseeing places. They will not be able to guide or give complete details about any sightseeing place. Basically they are drivers & not guides.

The Safari for the National Park is at optional cost & it needs to be booked by the clients themselves thru the concern government website of the particular national park.
It is advisable to book the safari immediately after the hotel booking is done because the safari slots are subject to availability & during peak season it gets booked well in advance.
Only the Nagarhole National Park ( Kabini Safari ) & Bandipur Safari has to be booked directly at the hotel at the time of check-in.

Day wise travel itinerary

Day 1 :Cochin - Munnar (130 kms, 5hrs)
Arrive Kochi (colonial name Cochin) meet the assistance and transfer to Munnar.

Munnar was the summer resort of the British and now is one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala. Enjoy the stunning view of the Cardamom hills & greenery of the Tea plantations.

Near Munnar town photostop at Attukad waterfalls & Pothamedu view point. On reaching Munnar visit Tata Tea Museum : Tata Tea Museum is one of the significant sightseeing spots in Munnar. It is home to exclusive exhibits like traditional tea roller known as ‘Rotorvane’ used for processing of CTC tea; the biggest delight for tea lovers is the fascinating experience of plucking tea leaves and tasting different types of tea.

Timings : 9:00 am – 4:00 pm All days (Closed on Monday)

Entry fee : INR 75 per adult, INR 35 per child

Later check into the hotel. Relax and enjoy the resort.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Munnar.
- Dinner
Day 2 :Munnar
Today morning After Breakfast, take a full day sightseeing tour of Munnar, Covering

Eravikulam National Park : is located in the Kannan Devan hills of Munnar. The national park is famous for endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The Rajamalai region of the park is open to the public and from here; the exotic Nilgiri Tahr can be viewed. The Rajamalai region falls under the tourism zone of the area. The forest spread over an area of 97 sq km is divided into; core area, buffer area and tourism area. Core area and buffer area is not open to the public.

Timings : 7:00 am – 6:00 pm All days

Entry fee : INR 125 per adult, INR 95 per child, INR 420 for foreign nationals

Its advisable to book in advance online - https://eravikulamnationalpark.in/landing

(Note : Eravikulam National Park will be closed from February to March every year for the two months due to the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr.)

Kundala Lake : Kundala dam is an artificial dam, Asia’s first arch dam. Though it pulls with its serenity and beauty, you could be lucky to spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which blossom once in 12 years in the adjacent hills and valleys of Kundala Lake. Boating in Kundala offers options of pedal boating, row boating and shikara rides. Shikara boat ride is famous here.

Timings : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm All days

Entry fee : INR 10 per

(Boating charges : INR 350 for 15 minutes

Mattupetty dam : Mattupetty Dam and the lake are beautiful scenic spots of Munnar, located near Anamudi peak and surrounded by tea plantations, spice gardens and rolling hills. The dam area is also an ideal picnic spot and a lovely trekking path. The District Tourism Promotion Council runs boating facilities in Mattupetty Lake, you can choose from speedboats and motorboats.

Timings : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm All days

Entry fee : INR 10 per

(Boating charges : INR 500 for 15 minutes in a speedboat shared by 1 to 5 people)

Carmelagiri Elephant Park : How about an elephant safari, that too in the rocky topography of Munnar? It’s fun for kids and adults alike to have a ‘haathi mere saathi’ moment at Carmelagiri Elephant Park. Located on Mattupetty Road, the park is one of the popular Munnar tourist attractions and offers short elephant rides of 10-15 minutes.

Timings : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm All days

Entry fee : INR 1150 per adult for the elephant ride

Blossom Park : This exotic piece of land has fresh flowers, Muthirappuzha river, lush green landscape, embracing migratory waterbirds, and mountain butterflies, It has a vast stretch of landscaped mounts, gardens, artificial waterfalls & lawns, that offer a wide range of facilities to make visitors feel relaxed and rejuvenated all at a same time. The facilities offered here are adventure trails, boating, nature walks, bird watching, roller skating, badminton, etc. The best time to visit this beautiful place is between the months of December and February, when the surroundings become more beautiful with a blanket of greenery layering every part of the hill station.

Timings : 9:00 am – 7:00 pm All days

Entry fee : INR 10 per adult, INR 2 per child (activity cost extra)

Evening return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at the Munnar.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 3 :Munnar
Today morning After Breakfast day to be spent on own for leisure and optional activities.

One can visit Top station (vehicle at additional cost) : Top Station, located around 32 km away from Munnar, is the highest point (1700m) in Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikkanal road. The place falls on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Here you can enjoy the panoramic view of Western Ghats and the valley of Theni district of Tamil Nadu.

Cycling : Cycling enthusiasts can have a chance to rejoice in the tea estate town of Kerala. Some areas of Munnar like Suryanelli, Anamudi Shola, Kundala, Marayoor, and Vandanmedu are suitable for mountain biking which is one of the popular adventure activities in Munnar. It is ultimate fun to ride along the hairpin bends and rolling roads, on a two-wheeler. This is one of the exciting thing to do in Munnar.

Many hotels and resorts arrange biking trips for their guests, or you can rent a cycle from cycle rental services in Munnar. KDHP House in Idukki District and Gokulam Bike Hire are two popular ones.

Rent : Approx INR 300 onwards per person.

Or one can spend half a day or full day at Dreamland Fun & Adventure Park :

Dreamland Fun And Adventure Park is an open-air adventure park in Munnar. It is one of the best places to enjoy with your family. The park hosts a variety of fun and thrilling activities including camel rides, horse rides, mountain biking, ziplining, and cable car rides. It also has a haunted house.

Timings : 9:00 am – 7:00 pm All days

Entry fee : INR 1500 – 2000 onwards per person

Evening return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at the Munnar.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 4 :Munnar - Thekkady (110 kms , 4 hrs)
Today Morning after Breakfast, check out and drive to Thekkady. As you wind your way up the road, the wooded terrain clears to reveal a breathtaking plantations, Fill your lungs with fresh mountain air; savour the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves. Thekkady is situated 2800 ft above sea level;

Enroute visit Spice Plantation : The geographical and climatic peculiarities of Kumily such as the cool climate and its elevation from the sea level make it ideal for spice cultivation. One of the major spices produced in the area is cardamom. The variety, Cardamom Small, botanically known as Elettaria Cardamom, is the one that is mostly grown here. The thick shrub-like cardamom plant usually grows at an altitude of 600 to 1200 metres from mean sea level (msl). Kerala contributes about 70 percent of the national production of cardamom with the major chunk coming from the plantations of Kumily.The pepper plantations are something else that are worth seeing. The sunlight seeping through the shapely leaves of the pepper plants is an alluring sight.

Entry fees : INR 200 to 300 per person

On arrival check into hotel.

Evening you can enjoy Martial art /Kathakali dance at Mudra Center at additional cost.

The Mudra Cultural centre is popular for Kalaripayattu martial arts and Kathalkali performances.Kathakali shows at this cultural centre are highly entertaining. Make-up and costume starts 30 minutes before each show. Use of still cameras is free and welcome. Arrive early for a good seat. There also two Kalarippayattu performances every night

Timings : 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, 6:00 pm - 7 :00 pm & 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Entry fee : INR 300 per person onwards

Return to the hotel, Dinner & Overnight stay at Thekkady.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 5 :Thekkady - Kumarakom (140 kms , 4hrs)
Today Morning after Breakfast check out and visit Periya Lake.

Periyar Lake : Lake Periyar South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. This is the only wildlife sanctuary in India that offers the unique opportunity of viewing wild life in their natural habitat at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.

Timings : 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Entry fee :INR 40 per person

Boating Timings: 7:30 am - 9:00 am; 9:30 am - 11:00 am; 11:15 am -12:45 pm; 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm; 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Boat charges : INR 500 onwards per person

Or

Bamboo Rafting for adventurers :

A dawn to afternoon range hiking and rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve., a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos. By rafting you will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake.

Timings : 7.30am - 12.30pm & 9.30am - 2.30pm.

Price : INR 2000 onwards per person (min. two person required)

Periyar boat ride to be booked in advance online : http://www.ktdc-boating.com/#booking

Later drive to Kumarakom - It is popularly known as the ‘Venice of East’, this exotic backwater village consists of a cluster of island villages in and around the Vembanad Lake. Kerala offers some world best Ayurvedic treatments, giving you a complete relaxation of mind, body & soul. You can try the same at the resort at additional cost. On arrival at Kumarkom/Alleppey check into the hotel.Rest of the day at leisure or enjoy resorts facilities.Evening you can enjoy sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake. Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 6 :Kumarakom
Today Morning after Breakfast go for a village walk.

Later visit Kottayam city for some shopping of famous silk sarees of south india. Afternoon return to the hotel. The peaceful glory of Kumarakom is enjoyed best by soothening of senses and relaxation of mind, body, and soul. Indulge in some good ayurvedic spa treatments in the hotel(at additional cost). In the evening enjoy the beautiful, charming and alluring sun setting on the horizon. Do not miss to see it in the evening time, the perfect sunset will be there for just five minutes, you got to see this on perfect timing.

One can also enjoy the Kathakali Show and Kalaripayattu - a traditional martial art form of Kerala, performed by local artists.Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 7 :Kumarakom - Cochin (100 kms , 2 hrs)
This day after Breakfast, transfer to Cochin Airport for your flight to your home town. You return back with wonderful memories of Wild Kerala.
- Breakfast

Expand Full Itinerary 🡫

Places you'll visit

Sightseeing

Mattupetty Dam

Opening Time : 09:00 AM

Closing Time : 05:00 PM

Surrounded by lush green hills of Mattupetty, Mattupetty Dam is one of the major tourist attraction centres in Kerala. The dam is located about 13 km from Munnar and is a nature lover surrounded by valleys, rolling meadows, mist-laden hills and cascading streams.

When you visit Mattupetty Dam in Munnar, you will still like the reflection of the tea garden in the water. Mattupetty Dam is an important source of electricity. Water which is conserved in the lake is used for the generation of hydroelectricity. One can also reach the dam on a speedboat to enjoy the thrill of water sports. Visit the dam at any time of the year.

Mattupetty Lake is a perennial lake that never dries up even in summers, while it is at maximum capacity during rains. The frequent water availability in the year is very popular with birds and wild animals who rely on this reservoir to quench their thirst.

Entry fees to mattupetty dam is INR 10 per person

Activities like speed boat ride, paddle boat ride, motor boat ride horse riding can be done at the Lake.

Exclusions :

1. Activity cost

2. Vehicle cost

Important Note :

1. The given sightseeing can be done if have hired vehicle for the full day or planning to take one. However it is at discretion of vehicle company to do it. Also one has to make sure that the same falls in given kilometer limits by the company.

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

Echo Point

Opening Time : 06:00 AM

Closing Time : 06:00 PM

About 15 km from Munnar lies the famous Echo Point. Popular for its natural echo phenomenon, one can always see the area full of eager visitors throughout the year. At an altitude of about 600 ft, people love taking a walk in the lush greenery surrounding the place. It is an ideal picnic spot. The scenic beauty of Echo Point is quite captivating. This picturesque destination is situated right in the lap of a quaint lake and lush green mountains, which makes it a visual treat for one and all. As the name suggests, this place is well known for its enthralling illustration of the phenomenon of echoing. As you scream, it is fun to hear your voice reverberate around the attraction again and again.

Echo Point Munnar entry fee is INR 30 for adults and INR for kids. The charges for boating are additional, which varies from boat to boat. Other than that, you don’t have to pay any charge for clicking photos or recording videos.

Things to do at Echo Point :

1. Bird-watching – The beauty and serenity of the place attracts not only tourists but also birds. So, birdwatchers will feel themselves being in a paradise here. It is the home to many native birds, which you will spot only around Munnar.

2. Boating in the lake – Numerous boats are parked at the bank of the lake. And depending on the availability, you can ride a paddle boat or a traditional rowboat in the clear green water of the lake.

3. Going for nature walks – Echo Point at Munnar is surrounded by rows of tea gardens, coffee plantations and evergreen trees. You can trek down the path and explore the natural beauty of Munnar hidden amidst soft and misty clouds. Various other treks are organised on trails along the banks or the slopes of surrounding hills.

4. Taking stellar photographs – The misty terrains, calm waters and views of blue mountains entice photographers to capture the breathtaking scenery in their lens. And so can you. Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom only once in 12 years, also add a feather to the beauty of this point.

5. Shopping on the street – Echo Point has many small shops, which sell local items produced in Munnar. You will also find flavoured masala tea shops and fresh fruit stalls in the periphery of this scenic tourist spot.

Exclusion :

1. Vehicle cost

2. Activity cost

3. Entry fees

Important Note :

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park

Opening Time : 07:30 AM

Closing Time : 04:00 PM

Eravikulam National Park is located in the South Western Ghats near Idukki, Kerala. The name Eravikulam translates to streams and pools, which best describe the national park. The area of the park was managed as a sport preservation until 1978 when the Kerala government elevated the status of a national park.

The area of the park is now home to the highly endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Eravikulam National Park is spread over an area of 92 square kilometres and is surrounded by high altitude grasslands.

The main natural structure of the national park is a central rolling plateau that is 2000 meters above sea level. The park is full of undulating terrain and the highest peak of the region is Anamudi at a distance of 2695 meters.

The three major types of vegetation in the region include grasslands, shrubs and shola forests. The high plateaus and hills surrounding the park are mainly covered by grasslands, while the bush is more visible along the base of the shrubs. Shola forests are situated in valleys between hills and plateaus. The Turner's Valley is the deepest valley in the region and broadly divides the park into two parts: the northwest and southwest regions.

The period between September to October (end of monsoon) and then April to May (summer) is the best time to plan your visit to Eravikulam National Park. This is the ideal period to see the Nilgiri Tahr and full blooming grasslands. The presence of lush green meadows offers a delightful view to experience the spectacular nature walk.

All other movements inside the park are on foot along trails and footpaths.

Entry Fee

Indian – 125/-

Children – 95/-

Foreign Nationals – 420/-

Ordinary Camera 45/-

Video Camera 335/-

Reservation fee Rs 50/- (Reservation counter 9 am – 3 pm at Information centre, Munnar)

Eravikulam National Park remains closed from February to March every year.

Exclusions :

1. Entry fees

2. Vehicle cost

Important Note :

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

Tea Gardens & Museums

Opening Time : 09:00 AM

Closing Time : 05:00 PM

For more than a century, Munnar's history has been linked with its tea gardens. Munnar is a region to find some of the supreme tea estates in the world. This is an important employment opportunity for the people of Munnar. Kannan Devan Tea Estate is a Tata-owned tea parkland in Munnar that houses most of the tea gardens in Munnar. The Tata Tea Museum, also known as the KDHP Museum, is located 2 km from the centre of Munnar. It is a part of Tata Tea's Nallathanni Estate.

The museum stands as a tribute to all the pioneers of the tea gardens of Munnar, which transformed it into one of the major tea distributors in Kerala. The Tata Tea Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum in India. Tourists come here to know about the establishment and progress of tea garden industry in India. From a manually operated tea roller to a fully automated tea factory, you get to know every single fact related to the automation of tea plantation in Munnar.

Finally, do not forget to visit the exhibit room of this Tata Tea Museum. Here you will get to taste the different types and flavours of tea. The performance is scheduled twice daily at 10:30 am and 02:30 pm. There is a nominal fee of Rs 100 per head to taste the plethora of the tea flavours of Munnar.

Things to do :

Tea Tasting

Exclusions :

1. Entry fees

2. Vehicle cost

Important Note :

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

Blossom Park

Opening Time : 09:00 AM

Closing Time : 07:00 PM

Blossom International Park in Munnar is a place to relax and refresh after a busy day around the city. The colourful landscape, beautiful scenery and loads of activities make it the perfect place to spend an evening with your friends and family.

Green lawns, ornamental flower gardens and a tranquil lake can keep you busy for hours. They make this place a great place for some candid photographs. The park has various trees and many flowering shrubs, some of which are rare. And various recreational activities like boating, cycling and roller-skating are available here.

Blossom International Park also has a play area for kids with swings and other rides & also known as Munnar Hydel Park. It is a popular picnic spot for the locals. And it is also a scenic tourist destination.

The ideal time to visit Blossom International Park Munnar is from November to March. The temperature is cool and pleasant. And you can roam as much as you want or enjoy activities. The evening is the best to enjoy this park. Therefore, allow at least 2 hours for your trip, and it sure will be a memorable experience.

Approx. entry fees is INR 10 per person adult and INR 5 per child.

Exclusion :

1. Vehicle cost

2. Activity cost

Important Note :

2. The cost for the activity has to be paid directly on spot.

Kundala Lake

Opening Time : 09:00 AM

Closing Time : 05:00 PM

About 20 km from Munnar, Kundala Dam is a picturesque tourist destination. The dam is built on the Periyar River, and is surrounded by a green Western Ghat mountain range. The area also has cherry blossom trees, which flower twice a year, which adds to the beauty of the place. And if you are lucky, you can also see the bright purple cover of blue Kurunji flowers on the hills. Those flowers bloom only once in 12 years. The nearby Kundala lake also provides an unforgettable experience to tourists. You can board a pedal boat or a boat to explore the lake and enjoy the scenery. Kashmiri Shikara boats are available for rent at Kundala Dam Lake Munnar.

Kundala Lake Munnar is also known for its boating facilities. Tea gardens & Green Hills and backdrops are with you in during the experience. Here, you can rent a pedal boat, rowboat or shikhara. Albeit Munnar is a hill station, the summer heat becomes unbearable at times. Ergo, the best time to visit the lake is during winter or spring, between November and May. The cloud cover remains pleasant throughout the day during those months. Also, it would be best to go early in the morning, so that you can enjoy your journey in peace. You can spend about 1-2 hours at this tourist spot.

Approx. boat charges :

INR 100 for Pedal Boat for 3 persons

INR 150 for Row Boat for 4 persons

INR 200 for Shikara Boat for 2 persons

INR 200 for Video Camera

(Boating closes at 4.30 PM and boating is closed during heavy rains)

Things to do :

1. Enjoying the views – Kundala Dam Lake has plenty of green area and shade where you can sit and enjoy the views of the nearby hills. You can watch the boats floating in the lake or just enjoy the cool breeze filled with the aroma of tea plantations.

2. Boating in the lake – Kundala Lake Munnar is known for its boating facilities. Green hills and tea plantations in the backdrop accompany you during the experience. Here, you can rent pedal boats, row boats or shikaras.

3. Riding a horse – On the banks of the lake, you’ll also find many horses. Pay the owner and hop on one for a ride around Kundala Dam and Lake. On some days, you can even ride elephants or find other small activities like balloon shooting.

4. Having tea and snacks – Local people also set up tea stalls and other snack corners near Kundala Lake. You can sip a freshly made cup of masala tea or drink tender coconut water there. Dosa, noodles and sandwich stalls are also there.

5. Capturing memorable photos – The dam standing tall, colourful boats on the lake and dense forests around make this tourist spot an ideal place for photographers. The distant cover of tea plantations also adds to the charm. And you might also get to capture the rare Neela Kurunji flowers blooming on the nearby slopes.

Entry to Kundala Lake is free, one can take a stroll around the lake if not interested in boat ride.

Exclusion :

1. Vehicle cost

2. Activity cost

3. Boat Ride

Important Note :

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

Gallery

Kumarakom
Mattupetty dam
Echo Point
Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park
Tea Gardens & Museums
Blossom Park
Kundala Lake
Spice Plantation
Go for Periyar Boat Jungle Safari
Enjoy The Martial Art & Cultural Show
Ride and Interact with an Elephant
Kumarakom Birdsactuary
vembanad lake
Kumarakom
Mattupetty dam

Hotels

Pine Tree Munnar or similar

Included in trip

Exotic Kerala

Accommodation

Sightseeing

Flight and transport

Visa and taxes

Meals

Day wise travel itinerary

Places you'll visit